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How many calories are in Ben's white rice?

2 min read

According to Ben's Original nutrition facts, a single pouch of their Ready Rice Original Long Grain White Rice contains 200 calories per 1-cup serving. However, the calorie content can differ significantly depending on the specific product and preparation method, which is why it's important to check the nutritional information for the exact Ben's white rice you are consuming.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for Ben's white rice varies based on the product. Ready Rice Original Long Grain contains 200 calories per 1-cup serving, while the standard dry long grain white rice has approximately 160 calories per 1/4 cup dry (which yields more once cooked).

Key Points

  • Ready Rice Calories: A 1-cup serving of Ben's Ready Rice Original Long Grain White contains 200 calories, as listed on the product packaging.

  • Dry Rice Calories: 1/4 cup of Ben's Original Long Grain Enriched Parboiled White Rice (dry) has 160 calories. The total cooked calorie count depends on the water absorbed and cooking additions.

  • Fat and Sodium: Both the Ready Rice and dry rice versions from Ben's are low in fat and contain very low sodium, assuming no high-sodium ingredients are added during preparation.

  • Preparation Impacts Calories: Adding oil or butter during cooking will increase the total caloric value of your rice. The Ready Rice already includes a small amount of oil.

  • Resistant Starch Benefits: Cooking and then cooling white rice creates resistant starch, which has potential benefits for gut health and slightly alters the caloric and digestive properties.

  • Accurate Measurement: Always check the specific product label for the most accurate nutritional information, as different rice types and preparations vary.

  • Compare with Generic: Generic long grain cooked white rice without additions has about 205 calories per cup, while versions with oil can have more, highlighting that Ben's products are in line with general averages.

In This Article

Breakdown of Ben's White Rice Calories

Understanding the calorie content of Ben's white rice requires looking at the different product types available: the traditional dry, boxed rice and the convenient pre-cooked Ready Rice pouches.

Ben's Ready Rice: Original Long Grain White

Ben's Ready Rice offers a quick meal solution with clear nutritional information based on the cooked product.

A single 8.8 oz pouch, containing two servings, has 200 calories per 1-cup serving. The total pouch contains about 400 calories. Its ingredients include parboiled long grain rice and a small amount of canola oil, contributing to its caloric value.

Ben's Original Dry, Long Grain Enriched Parboiled White Rice

The dry, boxed version of Ben's white rice is measured uncooked. The nutritional label states that 1/4 cup of the dry rice contains approximately 160 calories. This dry quantity will yield more than 1/4 cup when cooked. Unlike the Ready Rice, this version doesn't include added oil unless you incorporate it during cooking.

Calorie Comparison: Ben's vs. Generic White Rice

The calorie count of white rice can vary depending on brand and preparation. Here's a comparison:

Feature Ben's Ready Rice (per 1 cup cooked) Generic Cooked White Rice (per 1 cup) Generic Cooked White Rice with Oil (per 1 cup)
Calories 200 ~205 ~242
Fat 3g 0.44g 5.1g
Carbohydrates 39g 44.51g 44.32g
Protein 5g 4.25g 4.25g
Key Difference Includes canola oil in ingredients Cooked in water only Cooked with added oil

Factors Influencing Calorie Counts

Beyond the specific product, several elements can affect the final calorie count of a rice dish:

  • Cooking Method: Adding ingredients like oil or butter during cooking increases calories.
  • Serving Size: Precise measurement, ideally with a food scale, is key for accurate calorie tracking.
  • Added Ingredients: Sauces, gravies, and toppings significantly impact the total calorie count.

Making Health-Conscious Choices

Ben's Original products offer clear nutritional information to aid calorie tracking. The Ready Rice provides a consistent, pre-measured serving. For greater control, cooking dry rice with only water minimizes calories.

The Role of Resistant Starch

Cooking and cooling rice can increase resistant starch, a type of fiber beneficial for gut health. Reheating cooled rice largely maintains this resistant starch.

Conclusion

To determine the calories in Ben's white rice, identify the product type. Ben's Ready Rice contains approximately 200 calories per 1-cup serving, while the dry rice has 160 calories per 1/4 cup dry. The final calorie count of dry rice also depends on preparation. Always account for added ingredients like oils or sauces for accurate tracking. Checking the product label is crucial for the most precise nutritional details. For further nutritional details, consult the official Ben's Original website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A full pouch of Ben's Ready Rice Original Long Grain White is typically 8.8 oz, containing two servings. With 200 calories per 1-cup serving, the entire pouch is approximately 400 calories.

Cooking the dry Ben's rice with water alone does not add calories. However, adding any oil, butter, or other seasonings will increase the total calorie count of the finished dish.

While not technically a 'low-calorie food,' Ben's Ready Rice is low in fat and very low in sodium, making it a reasonable option for calorie-conscious diets in controlled portions.

Brown rice generally has more fiber and nutrients. A pouch of Ben's Ready Rice Whole Grain Brown has 200 calories per cup, similar to the white rice, but specific nutritional values can vary.

Yes, different varieties may have slightly different calorie counts. Always check the specific product label for the most accurate information, as factors like added ingredients can vary.

Use a food scale for the most accurate measurement of cooked rice. If using volume, use standard kitchen measuring cups.

The calorie count on the label for Ben's dry, boxed rice is for the dry, uncooked portion.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.